Albert Pujols wants to play for his native Dominican Republic in this year's World Baseball Classic, but he first wants to test his right knee before committing.

The Los Angeles Angels' first baseman had a minor surgery this offseason to clean up the knee, and agent Dan Lozano told MLB.com’s Alden Gonzalez that Pujols "feels great" so far, and that barring his knee giving him problems over the next month or so, Pujols plans to play for the Dominican Republic.

Albert Pujols played in the WBC in 2006. (AP Photo)

"At this point, yes," Lozano told MLB.com.

Pujols, 32, played for his native country in the inaugural WBC in 2006 but didn't participate in 2009. Pujols badly wanted to play for his country that year, but the St. Louis Cardinals did not allow him to because he had surgery on his right elbow that offseason. So if he can this year, Pujols will surely play.

Angels position players are scheduled to report to spring training in Tempe, Ariz., on Feb. 15. Players will start working out with their WBC teams in early March.

The Dominican Republic will play in Pool C with Venezuela, Spain and Puerto Rico. The team begins first-round play March 7 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Pujols, a three-time NL MVP, hit .285/.343/.516 with 30 home runs and 105 RBIs in 2012, his first with the Angels.

Rosters for the 16 countries participating in the WBC will be announced Thursday.